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Riley Tax PlanGovernor Bob Riley says he wants to cut taxes if given a second term. Riley says he would provide tax cuts for most Alabamians. His plan includes cuts in taxes for families making up to $100,000. He also wants offer tax incentives for expanding businesses. The Governor says he will also introduce a measure requiring property tax reappraisals every four years.

Zoning The Smart WayAmerican urban planners are using zoning laws to redevelop downtowns…and Alabama’s Capital City is one place where "It" is happening. We’ll talk with the head of the Florida firm leading that effort and a longtime North Alabama planner about saving deteriorating downtowns in Alabama cities.

Election Season BeginsAlabama is less than 60 days away from the November general election. Candidates are now starting to present their plans for governing the state if elected. Political analysts will discuss the early issues candidates are putting before voters, and the campaign strategies being used to sway voters.

Alabama Securities Commission Executive DirectorJoe Borg is the Executive Director of the Alabama Securities Commission. The Alabama Securities Commission is in charge of regulating the securities transactions and providing consumers with information needed to make the right investment decisions. Borg is also about to become head of an association of securities regulators. Borg will discuss efforts to protect investors and will take viewer questions when they call 1-866-552-0025 with questions.

Cuba’s EconomyAs a communist country, Cuba’s economy operates very differently from our own. There are issues involving converting currency, the currency used in the country, and the money stores accept. The types of jobs and careers people pursue are determined in different ways with much government input. The Cuba government also controls the distribution of food within the country.

Healthcare in CubaCuba has poverty and other economic and social woes. The country, though, is very proud of its health care system. Doctors and researchers in Cuba say they have made many medical advances and want to share them with the world. The country has worked to reduce infant mortality. “For The Record” also visits a maternity ward to see how expectant mothers are treated.

Alabama Cuba Trade RevenueAlabama has seen a noticeable increase in trade revenue from dealing with Cuba. But the process is not easy. Companies face many hurdles in executing deals with Cuba. Alabama officials with the Department of Agriculture and Industries work to eliminate problems and teach firms about the trade process. Cuban officials also must make sure the country receives quality products for use by the public.

Alabama Cuba Relationship For The Record begins a weeklong series examining the relationship between Alabama and Cuba. Alabama has seen increases in the amount of products sent from the state to the communist country. In part one, we explore the benefits of the trade to Alabama’s economy and to Cuba’s.

Sydney PikeSydney Pike helped organize CNN. Pike talks about the early days of the news organization and the problems the network faced. He also explains how it changed news coverage. According to Pike some of the changes are good and some have not been good for the public.

Decline in Job Discrimination Court CasesIn the last decade, the number of job discrimination cases filed in federal court has dropped by almost half. Some legal analysts believe it’s a growing conservative trend in the federal court system, while others say an increase in awareness and policies preventing discrimination has cut down on bias in the workplace. We’ll examine the issue Thursday.

Views On IraqA veteran of the War in Iraq tells why he now believes the U.S. should pull its troops out of the country. Another solder argues that the U.S. needs to stay the course. The two will provide perspective on the situation in Iraq.

Childhood ObesitySome 15.5 percent of adolescents age 12 to 19 are obese with some 15 .3 percent of children ages 6 to 11 are obese. In an attempt to combat childhood obesity, new guidelines have been passed for the food served children while at school. State Health Officer Dr. Don Williamson and State School Superintendent Joe Morton, Ph.D. will discuss what is being done.

Drug and Alcohol RecoverySome 14 percent of people in treatment for drug abuse say they began using at least one drug before the age of 13. Some 121 million Americans age 12 or older currently drink alcohol with 55 million saying they drink 5 or more drinks on at least one occasion. September is National Alcohol and Drug Recovery Month. Learn about programs and methods to help people with addiction. Viewers can ask questions by calling 1-866-552-0025 during the live 6:30pm broadcast.

FEMA FailuresAs the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches, “For The Record” looks at some of the problems the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, had in responding to the disaster. Long waits for temporary housing and delays getting boats put back into the water were a couple of areas where people had problems.

Cuban ChangesFidel Castro has transferred his power of running Cuba to his brother. Castro made the move because of health reasons. University of Alabama History Department Chair Lawrence Clayton discusses what could happen to Cuba if Fidel Castro is no longer the ruler.

Congressman Artur DavisAlabama Seventh District Congressman Artur Davis discusses issues facing the United States and the area he represents. Davis will provide updates on legislation he is proposing and current events like the Israel and Hezbollah conflict. He will also take viewer questions during the live broadcast at 1-866-552-0025.

League of Municipality DirectorThe Alabama League of Municipalities includes more than four hundred cities and towns in Alabama. The organization works to help municipalities better serve their communities. Perry Roquemore, Executive Director of the Alabama League of Municipalities, will discuss the important issues facing cities and towns. He will also take viewer questions during the live broadcast at 1-866-552-0025.

Israel Hezbollah FightingFor more than a month, Israel has been fighting with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Some 123 Israelis and more than 861 Lebanese have been killed during the fighting. The United Nations is working on a peace agreement to end the current battle, but what can be done to make a lasting peace?

Generation Next Young Alabamians will be interviewed next week as part of a special series looking at what 16 to 25 year-olds are thinking. The program called “Generation Next: Speak Up Be Heard” will include reports on “The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer,” National Public Radio, and a PBS special. Program host Judy Woodruff talks about why interviewing these youngsters will give insight on the future of our country.

Stem Cells President Bush used the first veto of his administration to prevent federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. But the debate on stem cell research involves much more than the fight over federal funding. Stem cells could be used to treat many types of diseases and ailments, but there is much debate about what is the best source of stem cells.

Terrorist Plot FoiledA terrorist plot to blow up jets headed to the United States was stopped with the arrests of some two dozen suspects. British intelligence says the plan included mixing liquids to make an explosive device to force some 10 planes to crash into the Atlantic Ocean. Dr. James Rinehart Chair of the Political Science Department at Troy University discusses the counter terrorism work needed to stop the plan. He will also take viewer questions at 1-866-552-0025.

Oil Drilling in the Gulf of MexicoThe U.S. Senate has passed legislation to allow more drilling for oil in the Gulf of Mexico. The legislation also gives states bordering the Gulf of Mexico, like Alabama, a greater percentage of the revenue than is currently distributed. Environmentalists worry more drilling could endanger animal habitats and coastal areas.

Learning from Israel Alabama Homeland Security Director Jim Walker recently went to Israel. Walker was there to learn more about how the country deals with terrorists. Walker talks about what the country does and will take viewer questions at 1-866-555-0025.

Better Business BureauDavid Smitherman is the President of the Better Business Bureau of Central Alabama and the Wiregrass. The Better Business Bureau works to improve the relations between businesses and customers. Smitherman will discuss how to deal with situations when you are not satisfied with the goods or services you received. He will take viewer questions at 1-866-552-0025.

National Guard Adjutant General Major General Mark Bowen has been the Adjutant General of the Alabama National Guard since January of 2003. The Alabama National Guard has troops deployed to assist U.S. forces overseas. The National Guard is also making sure they are ready to provide assistance if a natural disaster occurs. Major General Bowen will update the missions Alabama Guardsmen have been assigned and take viewer questions when they call 1-866-552-0025.

Judicial RacesEleven seats on Alabama’s appeal courts are up for election this year. Judicial races in recent years have drawn attention for the money candidates have raised. Voters will be selecting candidates to serve on the Court of Criminal Appeals, Court of Civil Appeals, Supreme Court and Chief Justice. Results of these elections will impact the way laws are interpreted and cases decided. What would be the impact for average citizens?

Dr. Billy Powell, Dealing with the DroughtDr. Billy Powell, Executive Vice President of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, talks about how cattle farmers are dealing with the drought. He will also discuss preparations for hurricane season. Powell will also take viewer questions when they call 1-866-552-0025.

Sales Tax HolidayAlabama will have the first sales tax holiday in its history during the August 5-6 weekend. The Alabama Legislature passed a bill creating the holiday for the purchase of school related items. Officials discuss how the holiday will work.

Ethics Commission Director Jim Sumner is Director of the Alabama Ethics Commission. The state’s ethics law sets guidelines to prevent public officials from using their office for personal gain. Sumner will discuss enforcement of the law and efforts to make sure people understand and comply with regulations. He will also take viewer questions when they call 1-866-552-0025.

The State Fire Marshall Edward PaulkAs state fire marshal, Edward Paulk’s responsibilities include overseeing arson investigations, the inspections of sprinkler systems and daycare centers, and heading up a committee reviewing state building codes. Mr. Paulk will talk with us about his office and will take viewer calls.

Parental Responsibility Mountain Brook is one Alabama community trying to crack down on parties where minors drink alcohol. But even without a new ordinance being considered in that Birmingham suburb, parents can find themselves liable for damages and even criminal charges if the party takes place on their property. An attorney talks about the law governing such events and takes viewer questions during the live 6:30 broadcast. Call 1-866-552-0025.

Rev. Robert Graetz On Bus BoycottRev. Robert Graetz came to Montgomery in the summer of 1955 to pastor an all-black congregation. Months later, the Lutheran minister would become a part of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Graetz has written a book on his experiences, “A White Preacher’s Message on Race and Reconciliation.” He discusses the civil rights movement and will take viewer questions during the live 6:30 broadcast. Call 1-866-552-0025.

Job LossesHundreds of Alabamians are now looking for work. The closing of a couple of textile plants and layoffs at a tire manufacturer have workers trying to decide what to do in the future, and the state is looking at ways to help the displaced employees. With the state’s employment rate below five percent, how do these events impact the state’s economic condition?

North Korea's Nuclear MissilesThe United States has made no progress in getting North Korea to stop its nuclear program. Troy University Political Science Chair James Rinehart, Ph.D., has just returned from South Korea. He will discuss the situation with North Korea and take questions from viewers at 1-866-552-0025 during the live 6:30pm broadcast.

Immigration DebateAlabama is training some 70 state troopers to be able to arrest illegal aliens. The troopers are receiving special training as part of the effort to combat illegal immigration. The issue of how to best handle illegal immigration is still being debated in Congress.

Higher Education HeadGregory Fitch, Ph.D., took over as head of the Alabama Commission on Higher Education in June. Fitch was Missouri's Commissioner of Higher Education before coming to Alabama. Fitch will give his early assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the state's higher education system and compare it with the places he has worked in the past. He will also take viewer questions at 1-866-552-0025 during the live 6:30pm broadcast.

Lottery Lives?Although former governor Don Siegelman was defeated in his bid to return to the state’s top office and now faces the appeal process for his conviction on corruption charges, his call for a state lottery may not be out of the picture. Some observers say the issue may still be proposed and others may press the issue. The future of a debate about whether Alabama should have a lottery will be discussed.

Golf Anyone?Alabama has lured another golf event to the state. Next year the LPGA will play a tournament at the Capitol Hill golf course in Prattville. The course is part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. John Cannon, President of Sunbelt Golf that operates the Trail, will discuss the importance of the tournament. He will also talk about plans to lure more tournaments. He will also take viewer questions at 1-866-552-0025.

Supreme Court Rulings The U.S. Supreme Court finished its first session with John Roberts as Chief Justice. The Court made rulings related to redistricting and the power of the President. Samford University constitutional law historian Bill Ross, Ph.D., will be among the guests discussing the Court’s rulings and what they say about its direction.

Arts Council Director: Al HeadAl Head is the Executive Director of the Alabama Arts Council. He will discuss programs and planning for art events in the state. He will talk about the state of art education and preserving art in Alabama. He will also take viewer questions when they call 1-866-552-0025.